Public Works Minister Lays Foundation Stone for New Bailey Bridge on Beas river in Mandi.

Shimla:

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh today laid the foundation stone for a new bridge over the Beas River at Koon-ka-Tar in the Kotli sub-division of Sadar assembly constituency in Mandi district. The 280-ft-long suspension Bailey bridge, estimated to cost Rs. 3.15 crore, is expected to enhance connectivity in the region.

Minister announced that Rs. 2 crore has already been allocated for the project, with a completion target of seven months. He thanked Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the budget allocation and noted that the new bridge will significantly improve transportation for residents of Mandi Sadar, Dharmpur, and Jogindernagar.

Addressing concerns about recent infrastructure challenges, he highlighted the damage to several bridges over the Beas River during last year’s monsoon and the lack of substantial financial aid from the central government. Despite these challenges, he affirmed that the state government is committed to accelerating development with available resources.

“Under the current administration, the Mandi district has seen the construction of 151 kilometers of roads, 119 kilometers of cross drainage, and 221 kilometers of road surfacing, along with the completion of 13 new bridges. A total of Rs. 127.61 crore has been spent on road construction and maintenance in the region” the Minister said.

He also mentioned recent flood damage in the Drang area, noting that the state government has provided Rs. 4 lakh in immediate relief to affected individuals.

The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including District Council Member Champa Thakur, Block Congress President Yogesh Patial, and various local officials and engineers from the Public Works Department.